The recent Portage Golf Club championship provided a good head start for four local golfers.

The Portage Golf Club foursome of Dean Cairns, Kenny Keeler, Kyle McGibney and David Safruk combined to score a 23-over 239 at the Men's Provincial Interclub Championship Rural Division on Monday, good for second place behind a foursome from Larters Golf and Country Club. The Larters group shot a 19-over 235 in the event held at Minnewasta Golf and Country Club in Morden.

Portage's team was actually even with the Carman entry, but was awarded second place based on matching scorecards.

Keeler said having the club championship leading into this tournament worked out well for the Portagers.

"That benefitted us a little bit — playing two rounds Saturday/Sunday right before," said Keeler. "We get into tournament mode, I guess you'd say."

Safruk said conditions for the day were "perfect", while Keeler said the way the course played synced with his style of play.

"The greens weren't as fast as they usually are when I play there, but that's kind of beneficial that they're not as fast," said Keeler. "You can take a little more aggressive line."

For more, please see Wednesday's edition of the Portage Daily Graphic.